The 2014 version of The Grand Mammoth Festival was in fact, the rage-iest craziest most Zygnematic event in the history of events held at Marine Centre, Vashi, EVER!
What is probably crazier is the fact that this was Moonlight Entertainment's first ever gig on such a scale. And did they nail it!
Brilliant lineup, raking ample sponsors, perfect promotion schemes and best of all, on a marginal cost of 300/- bucks per entry, they sure know how to build the scene. Special congratulations are in order and the man of the hour, as everyone who attended the gig knows, is Jeff Dani.
Narkasur were probably feeling the luckiest band in New Bombay as they kicked opened the crowd to an evening of metal. The newest name in metal, Narkasur have made it time and again past the frontlines and reached out to the crowd more often than you can imagine. It is no doubt their fan-following results as a list of feats they have long thought of, and conquered with time. Their last public appearance since Thunderstorm, the band introduced their new guitarist Soham after Kotian decided to quit. Still, they managed to pull off their set with ease, with minor technical setbacks after the first song. Although, the band is pulling all sorts of eyes to their gigs, they need to diversify their next newer tracks in making, as the set was dragged to its feet in the late minutes. Definitely one of bands to watch out for in near future.
Not much words are needed to introduce Primitiv to the Bombay metal audience. Being the phenomenon that they are, Wired Anxiety guitarist Naval being present on guitars only made it better. Kickstarting with their new single Lords Of Primitv, Kiron's fiery solos made the crowd jump higher and bang their heads harder to the song heavier than any heavy metal band in the scene. Their version of Sabbath's Sweet Leaf was well received, stating the band clearly is leagues ahead, easily qualifying for a heavyweight belt of their own. Nitin Rajan's vocals have a deep inflicting punch of their own, and combined with Riju's skillful bass lines, they deal more damage than any force around. The best heavy metal band in the country!
Zygnema! Zygnema! Zygnema!
If you ever wondered what inspired the organizers in the first place to hold a metal festival of their own, it was clearly this band and this band alone. With the amount of confusion that happened in the MMXIII version, it was clear Zygnema was the star band in this year's lineup, and they would get to do all that they wished (pun intended!). So having made it clear before their first song, that they would deliver a complete hour of destruction, it was a massive understatement when their set ended. This was one of the craziest moshpits ever seen in new Bombay, a seemingly active crowd imploding on itself in a matter of seconds. This act commands and gets its respect from everyone in the country, because they deliver. And they deliver the mightest distortion punches, wave after wave of a never ending arsenal of songs. There is nothing I could ever say in this review which could justify or even begin to explain the scenario they created in a tiny venue called Marine Centre in Vashi. You just had to be there. And you had to be in the pit. Zygnema was, is, and will remain a conqueror for years to come.
Following the death hour was brutal death grind metal band from Bombay, Gutslit. Being my first encounter with them, I was amazed at the their brutal stage presence right from the start. Hats off to Gurdip Singh Narang, for taking the bassist act to a whole new level of awesomeness! Seeing him play only in live videos before, I stared at his fingers right through the band, for the better half of their set. Coming to senses post shock, I could only hear Aaron Pinto carve some new holes into the bass drum skin. The levels they have mastered to reach such levels of heightened abilities is purely amazing. This being their first show in their home country post their European tour, murdering the crowd at the venue seems like a fitting description to their set. Such a great band to see live!
Devoid is all about Thrash. And we did come to see thrash come alive at The Mammoth? Hell yeah! Devoid is one of Bombay's most popular bands, well known for its trademark thrash solos, the adrenaline riffing and those vocals! Starting with a powerful number, the moshpit was all blood during the breakdown to Brahma Weapon, quite literally! Sanju Aguiar on guitars is truly a genius and always such fun to watch as he smokes them necks on his guitars. Arun's vocals have always been complimenting to the band's sound. Devoid did a great job and really tore up the place!
The end was saved to reveal Sceptre and their brand new vocalist! Doing a wonderful job, Sceptre have been fairly deceptive with their gigs the past few months, making minimal appearances, but it is clear that with their lineup now complete, the band is set to blow the amps off venues. The band is truly a legend, the longest running metal band, formed over 15 years ago and still coming on strong!
Akash Sawant, the lead console handler, was synchronous in making them sound brilliant over the system!
The Grand Mammoth Festival was a complete success, starting right on time, the well chosen lineup as well as handling all the aspects of the game finely. With Bajaao as their production partner, and their live sound powering up the event, as well as sponsors TATA DOCOMO and associates VH1, Smokin' Joes and Tattoo Ashram, everything went seemingly fluent. Ending on a high note, this was probably one of the highlight gigs of the year 2014.
Such blood and much beers later, I can't think of a reason why I would skip the MMXXV version of the game. Can't wait for the same!
Full Photo Gallery Here.
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